Clubs in Swale have been rewarded for bringing cultural and educational benefits to the community.

Ten groups which use the Swallows centre shared £5,000. It was donated by Swale Community Leisure Ltd (SCLL), the trust which operates the sports complexes in Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

The lucky recipients, which received up to £1,000 each, were: Sheerness Swimming Club, New Age Kurling, Sittingbourne Swifts Gymnastics Club, Island Barbarians Inline Hockey, Beachfields Swimming Club, Sittingbourne Swords, Sittingbourne Your Way, 55+ Fellowship and The Bushido-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu Club.

SCLL chairman Tony Gribble said: “We are delighted to be giving something back to the community and the users of the facility.

“Each club demonstrated a huge commitment to improve leisure opportunities for local people.

“We hope this small contribution back to the community will be the first of many annual events.

“To do this, we need continued support for our local leisure centres from residents in Swale.”

The financial award follows a revamp of the Swallows gym. Its official opening was marked by a “fitness fiesta” attended by British paralympian, Steve Brown, who captained the wheelchair rugby team at London 2012.

The 32-year-old from Chatham took-up the sport after breaking his neck in a fall from a balcony eight years ago.

He was full of praise for the Swallows instructors who helped realise his dream.

He said: “After my spinal injury I was worried about the future. “Swallows and the staff at the centre were a big part of helping me overcome many of the fears and obstacles I felt I faced.

“Without their support early after my injury I am not sure I would have ever gone on to achieve the things I have.

“Being wheelchair rugby captain at the Paralympics 2012 was the highlight of my sporting life. I thank Swallows for the mental and physical support they gave me through very difficult and trying times.”